What is the 3rd Derivative of Position?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bomba923
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the third derivative of position with respect to time, specifically focusing on its physical interpretation and nomenclature. Participants explore the relationship between position, momentum, force, acceleration, and the subsequent derivatives, including the concept of "jerk" and its implications in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the relationship between position, momentum, force, and acceleration, leading to the expression for the third derivative of position as mass times the derivative of acceleration.
  • Another participant identifies the derivative of acceleration as "jerk."
  • A third participant suggests that the term "yank" is also used to describe this quantity, referencing an external source.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the physical significance of the term mass times the derivative of acceleration, questioning its utility as a physical quantity.
  • One participant mentions that this quantity can be interpreted as the first time derivative of force, also relating it to the second time derivative of momentum, while noting that "yank" is not an official term.
  • A later reply humorously connects the concept of "yank" to the physical sensations experienced on a rollercoaster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the nomenclature and significance of the third derivative of position, with some agreeing on the term "jerk" while others introduce "yank" as a less formal alternative. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the official terminology or the utility of the derived quantity.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the definitions and implications of terms like "jerk" and "yank," as well as the physical relevance of the quantity mass times the derivative of acceleration. The discussion reflects differing interpretations and lacks a definitive resolution on these points.

bomba923
Messages
759
Reaction score
0
Although my notation is likely incorrect,

Momentum =
[tex]m\frac{{dx}}{{dt}} = m \cdot v[/tex]

Force =
[tex]m\frac{{d^2 x}}{{dt^2 }} = m\frac{{dv}}{{dt}} = m \cdot a[/tex]

Then,
[tex]m\frac{{d^3 x}}{{dt^3 }} = m\frac{{d^2 v}}{{dt^2 }} = m\frac{{da}}{{dt}}[/tex]

But what would/do you call the [tex]m\frac{{da}}{{dt}}[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Don't know the answer in this context, but the derivative of acceleration is called jerk.
 
Well, my question is what is the name of mass*(da/dt); exactly what physical quantity does it represent (is it a useful physical quantity)?
From that, i think, i can give it a name---but if it already has one,

*What would/do we call the product represented by mass*(da/dt) ?
 
It is just the first time derivative of Force [itex]\frac{dF}{dt}[/itex] (which is also the second time derivative of momentum), which is what the link robphy supplied in his post refers to.

It should be pointed out that using the word 'Yank' to represent this quantity is by no means official, it is more of a tongue in cheek proposition.

Claude.
 
Ahh--that's right :smile:!

Yank =
[tex]m\frac{{da}}{{dt}}[/tex]
 
I can only say that its the quantity of "Yank" that makes you sick in a rollercoaster, because uniform acceleration doesn't disturb our senses very much...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K